Victorian Christmas delights (From Gazette Series)

Victorian Christmas delights

STEP back in time and enjoy the delights of Victoria's reign as Chipping Sodbury takes you on an unforgettable journey back to the turn of the 19th century.

On Friday, December 9 the town's shops will be decked with traditional festive trimmings and staff will be donning flowing gowns and top hats as they take to the streets for the annual Victorian evening.

For more years than traders and residents care to remember, they have dressed in elaborate Victorian costumes and celebrated the festive season in traditional style.

This year is no exception and during the day the town will be buzzing with excitement as the final preparations are made.

As darkness falls, the smells of roasted chestnuts and the whirring of the Ferris wheel, swing boats and other traditional fairground rides will bring the town to life.

Mince pies and mulled wine aplenty, stalls will also line the streets selling gifts, cards, crafts and mistletoe all in the name of charity and perfect for those essential Christmas gifts.

A traditional farmers' market will also be offering home-grown and home-made produce and sweet-toothed visitors will be in heaven when they discover the old-fashioned sweet stall selling toffee apples, candy floss and other colourful delights.

In recent years Chipping Sodbury's Victorian evening has attracted an estimated 10,000 people from all over the South West.

And for anyone who gets excited by the Christmas build-up, Victorian evening is a must night out.